Packing

Most airlines operating international flights permit travelers to check only ONE piece of luggage not exceeding 62 inches/157.5 cm (length+depth+width). There are shopping trips available for you to purchase necessary items here after you arrive.

Mark the outside of your luggage with tape and your name, Connecticut College and the Dean's phone number:

Mark your baggage in some distinctive way (ribbons on the handle) to make it easier for you to identify your luggage.

Pack essential documents, medicines, etc. in a carry-on case.

Make a photocopy of your ticket or list its number and all flights along with the name and address of the agency that issued it, and keep this information separate from the ticket.

Make photocopies or back up all of your essential documents and pack them separately from the originals among your luggage. This serves as a precaution in case you misplace or lose any luggage items in transit.

Due to the increase in security, you will be asked to carry a very limited amount of liquids and gels in your carry-on baggage (less than 50 ml.)

You will be asked to take off your shoes and belts and asked to take your computer out of its case while going through security.

Ideas of What to Bring

Bring copies of your important health records.

Pack prescription notes, medications you take regularly (as for allergies), or anything you might not be able to purchase here.

Bring photographs, cultural dress, maps, posters, little snacks and other items that will help you remain connected to your home and for others to become familiar with your home country. (There will be cultural presentations that most international students get involved in.)

The best advice is to travel light. Bring clothing and some favorite possessions.

Clothing: When you arrive in August, the weather will probably be around 80°F or 27°C. In general, we will have fairly warm weather into September when temperatures will begin to get cooler. As Connecticut College is near Long Island Sound, winter temperatures often can go below freezing (32°F or 0°). You will be able to purchase winter clothing here.

Spices: If you enjoy cooking or sense that you might soon be missing food from home, pack some spices for cooking needs on campus. (Please note, however, that most residential houses do not have kitchens). Food is generally allowed by the U.S. Customs as long as it is dry. You do not have to bring these items, but it's kind of cool to have them. DO NOT BRING MEAT OR FRESH PRODUCE. If you are concerned about what is allowed, refer to this website: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/82/search/1

You may find it most convenient to buy blankets, linens, pillows, lamps and other dormitory accessories when you get here, or online. If you would like to ship items you purchase online to campus, send shipments to:

You'll receive your campus box number during Orientation. You will keep the same mailbox all four years you are here.

About Voltage and Electrical Items

Especially if you are coming from Europe and certain parts of Asia, you may find that your electrical appliances require a different voltage from that of the U.S., where the voltage ranges from 110 to 120 volts. Items such as table lamps and radios are available here at affordable prices. Buy your voltage converter at home or at the airport, because it is hard to find one when you are actually here.

Immigration Forms

Please make sure you have your passport, valid visa and the I-20 form with you when you arrive.

First Arrival

From the airport to New London you will find that it is most convenient to get to the College if you land at Newark International, New Jersey, or Logan Airport in Boston, Mass.

From the Newark International Airport there is an Amtrak train that takes you directly to New London.

From Boston Logan Airport there is a free bus that connects with the train in South Station. The bus from the airport to South Station is called "Silver Line." Once you are at the train station, you can take an Amtrak train with or without reservations to New London. A one-way ticket is $30-42.

If you cannot find a flight to Newark or Boston, then you can fly into Kennedy Airport in New York (JFK).

JFK Airport serves most airlines, which means that it is often very busy. If you arrive at JFK, you can take the shuttle to the Howard Beach subway station. Then you can take the A-train to Port Authority or to Penn Station depending on whether you want to use the bus or the train (single-ride subway ticket costs $3). You can also take a taxicab from the west terminal of JFK to Penn Station or Port Authority where you can take the Greyhound bus (between $26 and $43 for a one-way ticket) to New London. From Penn Station you can board an Amtrak train (between $39 and $83 for a one-way ticket) to New London. Or arrange with Connecticut Limousine Service to bring you to New Haven, Conn., where you can make connections with Amtrak railroad to take you to New London. For more information, check http://www.ctlimo.com or call 1-800-472-5466 or 1-203-974-4700 and select option 1.

For limousine service at the airport, when you arrive at JFK, go to ground transportation in the Baggage Area where you can ask for a ticket at the ground transportation desk or use a courtesy phone. To use a courtesy phone, dial 12 and you will be connected to Connecticut Limousine Service. The service runs every two hours from New Haven from 6:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and every hour from 2:30 p.m. to midnight. The one-way cost is about $67.

From New London to Connecticut College

Once you arrive at the New London Greyhound/Amtrak (train) Union Station, take a taxicab to the college ($10 from the train station plus 10-15% tip). There are usually cabs waiting outside the station.